New Nigerian Army Training Depot To Be Sited IN Afikpo : HISTORY UNFOLDING BEFORE OUR EYES

Today marks a significant milestone in the development of Ebonyi State as Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru received a high-powered delegation from the Nigerian Army, led by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division of the Nigerian Army – Major General Oluremi A. Fadairo, in a crucial meeting with stakeholders and traditional rulers of Afikpo Local Government Area.

Following extensive consultations, Amasiri in Afikpo Local Government Area has been selected by the Ebonyi State Government as the host community for the newly approved Nigerian Army Training Depot (NATD).

During the meeting, Governor Nwifuru formally sought and obtained the consent of the Afikpo people for the State Government to issue a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) to the Nigerian Army, paving the way for the establishment of this strategic military institution. With approvals now secured, construction is expected to commence immediately.

ABOUT THE NIGERIAN ARMY TRAINING DEPOT (NATD)
A Nigerian Army Training Depot is the foundation of military professionalism in Nigeria. It is where civilians are transformed into disciplined soldiers through rigorous physical training, weapon handling, military drills, and character development. Existing depots in Zaria and Osogbo have trained tens of thousands of soldiers, and the approval of a new depot in Ebonyi State reflects a deliberate effort to expand capacity, promote regional balance, and strengthen manpower development within the Nigerian Army.

ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
•⁠ ⁠Boost to Local Businesses: The presence of thousands of recruits and military personnel will significantly increase demand for food, accommodation, transportation, and other services, energizing local markets and small businesses.

•⁠ ⁠Job Creation: Beyond military employment, the depot will generate civilian jobs in administration, maintenance, construction, logistics, and various artisanal services, while also creating opportunities in the informal sector.

•⁠ ⁠Real Estate Growth: Land and property values are expected to appreciate as demand rises for housing and commercial spaces for military families and associated personnel.

•⁠ ⁠Federal Investment: The establishment of the depot will attract federal funding and critical infrastructure such as improved road networks, electricity supply, and other public utilities, unlocking further development in the area.

SOCIAL IMPORTANCE
•⁠ ⁠Improved Infrastructure & Amenities: Military installations often come with clinics, schools, and other facilities that benefit both military families and host communities.

•⁠ ⁠Stronger Civil–Military Relations: Through civil action programs—such as medical outreach, water projects, and community support initiatives—the depot will foster goodwill and improve the quality of life for residents.

•⁠ ⁠Regional Balance & Civic Pride: Hosting a major national institution enhances Ebonyi State’s strategic relevance and instills pride in the host communities as contributors to national security.

•⁠ ⁠Cultural & Demographic Diversity: The continuous inflow of recruits from across Nigeria will promote national integration and increase socio-cultural interactions.

SECURITY IMPORTANCE
•⁠ ⁠Enhanced Security & Deterrence: A permanent military presence will deter crime and enable faster response to security challenges such as kidnapping and armed violence.

•⁠ ⁠Strategic Military Coverage:
The depot strengthens troop distribution across geopolitical zones, improving the Army’s nationwide operational reach.

•⁠ ⁠Operational Readiness: It ensures a steady supply of well-trained personnel equipped to handle modern security challenges.

•⁠ ⁠Support for Civil Authorities: The facility can serve as a strategic hub for joint operations and emergency support during crises.

A CONTINUING LEGACY OF STRATEGIC INVESTMENT
This landmark achievement is not an isolated one. Already, the Nigerian Navy is constructing a state-of-the-art Naval School in Oferekpe Agbaja, Ebonyi State, further underscoring the growing confidence of national institutions in the leadership and stability of the state.

These developments clearly demonstrate Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru’s capacity to attract critical national assets and investments that drive sustainable development and improve the welfare of Ebonyi people.

Well done, Your Excellency. Congratulations to the great people of Ebonyi State.

©️ Leo Ekene Oketa
Special Assistant to the Governor
(New Media)
January 6, 2026.